The Executive Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government, Hon. Lateef Adebare Lawal Akorede, has made history with the maiden edition of the One-Day Chairman initiative — a youth leadership programme designed to give young people practical exposure to governance.
The programme, held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, saw Miss Olanrele Tumininu Dasola, a student of Angel Heights College, Ayete, emerge as One-Day Chairman after winning an intellectual competition organised by the council.
The event, which drew traditional rulers, political leaders, education administrators, teachers, students and security personnel, marks the first time such an initiative has been held in the local government.
From Classroom to Secretariat
Activities began at Angel Heights College, where Tumininu and her entourage were escorted to the Local Government Secretariat for her inauguration. In a symbolic demonstration of executive leadership, she appointed a Chief of Staff and Personal Assistant before commencing official duties.
Shortly after assumption of office, she convened a security meeting with traditional rulers and security agencies, commending them for sustaining peace in Ibarapa North and urging continued vigilance.
Donation of Computers and Learning Materials
A major highlight of the day was the donation of desktop computers and thousands of exercise books to public schools across the local government by Chairman Akorede — an intervention aimed at boosting teaching, learning and school administration.
Tumininu described the gesture as a critical investment in the future of the council area and urged students to remain focused, disciplined and ambitious.
Call for More Interventions
In her address, the One-Day Chairman praised the Akorede administration for its developmental strides, including the renovation of primary healthcare centres in Isamuni, Alabi and Asunara, revival of the bursary scheme, construction of culverts around Maku Grammar School, grading of rural roads, and provision of motorcycles and vehicles for security operatives.
She however appealed for urgent renovation of health centres at Oke Ola in Igangan, Bello Village and Tapa, as well as reconstruction of the Tapa Community Hall to ensure equity in development.
She also called for provision of computers, printers and stable electricity for schools, noting that poor power supply and network coverage hinder students’ access to digital learning.
As part of her official duties, she inspected ongoing works at the Ayete Divisional Police Headquarters and the old Ayete Community Town Hall, directing timely completion.
Traditional Rulers Commend Initiative
Traditional rulers present including the Onidere of Idere, Asingangan of Igangan, Elempe of Tapa and Asawo of Ayete, lauded Akorede for introducing an unprecedented programme.
The Onidere of Idere noted that Idere indigenes have consistently excelled in intellectual competitions, while the Asingangan of Igangan expressed hope that an Igangan student would emerge in future editions. The Elempe of Tapa described Akorede as a different kind of administrator who looks beyond conventional governance.
Akorede: Preparing Leaders, Not Just Celebrating Them
Speaking on the vision behind the programme, Hon. Akorede said the initiative was conceived to promote academic excellence and nurture leadership potential beyond classroom instruction.
“We must not merely celebrate young people as leaders of tomorrow, but deliberately prepare them for that responsibility today,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as the most sustainable path to securing the future of Ibarapa North.
The One-Day Chairman initiative has now been established as a landmark youth development programme in the council area, blending academic recognition, leadership training, and community engagement.
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